by Paul Courts
IN-FORM trotter Al Bundy will have to produce a performance worthy of Saturday night’s honouree if he is to emerge triumphant at Globe Derby.
Successful at four of his six starts since arriving in South Australia, Al Bundy faces a daunting task for trainer Greg Norman after receiving a 70-metre handicap.
The son of Great Success has scored off 50 and 60-metre marks during his last two starts.
“He’s been put back another 10 metres this week and it’s just getting too much,” Norman said. “He wouldn’t be facing these kind of handicaps in any other state, so this is likely to be his last start here.
“He is only a TM0, so he will end up racing at Menangle or Melton.”
Although confident in the squaregaiter’s ability, Norman has all but conceded defeat, stating handy mare Natural is the one to beat from the front line.
Second behind Al Bundy in her two runs from a spell, Natural’s previous win was a Group Three at Menangle when she began from the pole.
The beaten brigade included On Thunder Road, which couldn’t catch the daughter of Mcardle from a 40-metre back mark.
“He goes well, don’t get me wrong, but the ones off the front can run solid times, and he will have to run close to track record just to catch him,” Norman said.
“Natural the one to beat from the front and is bound to be a lot fitter after two runs back.
“I know it’s the Gramel Cup, but he will have to put in a run like the former champion if he’s any chance of winning.”
The pride of South Australia during the 1960s, Gramel’s handicaps included 256 yards at the Adelaide Showgrounds.
Despite her mark being just 19 yards short of half the track, Gramel emerged victorious.
The toughest handicap Maori’s Idol faced during his record run of 24 consecutive wins was 60 metres!
Gramel’s effort to win off 96 yards at Strathalbyn on May 1, 1962 was described by the late Clem Hewitt as “one of the greatest trotting performances seen in South Australia.”
Another of Gramel’s victories was off 108 yards at Strathalbyn in October 1962 when the daughter of Johnny Globe scored by 60 yards.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
